Jun 17, 2025
Want your iOS app approved on the first try? Follow this checklist to meet Apple's strict App Store guidelines. Every step matters - from joining the Developer Program to securing user data. Here's what you need to know:
Enrollment: Join the Apple Developer Program ($99/year). Use your legal name or register your organization with a D‑U‑N‑S Number.
App Store Connect: Set up your app’s metadata, bundle ID, and pricing. Include a privacy policy and accurate age ratings.
Certificates & Profiles: Use valid provisioning profiles and certificates for secure app signing.
Design Standards: Follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines for icons, navigation, and accessibility.
Technical Compliance: Use approved APIs, optimize performance, and ensure IPv6 compatibility.
Privacy & Security: Collect only necessary data, encrypt sensitive information, and comply with privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA.
Testing & Review: Test for crashes, placeholder content, and metadata accuracy. Provide Apple with clear reviewer notes.
Why it matters: Apple rejected 1.7 million apps in 2023 for security, privacy, and content issues. Stay compliant to protect your investment and build user trust.
Apple App Store: Step by step through the review process
App Store Submission Requirements
Before your app can reach over 2 billion active Apple devices, you’ll need to follow a few essential steps: enrolling in the Apple Developer Program, configuring metadata, and setting up security measures. Below, we’ll break down each step to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Apple Developer Program Enrollment
To publish apps on the App Store, you’ll need to join the Apple Developer Program. Membership costs $99 USD annually. Depending on your setup, you can enroll as an individual or as an organization.
If you’re enrolling as an individual, you’ll need an Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled. Apple requires you to use your legal first and last name to avoid delays during the review process, and you must be at least 18 years old.
"Your personal legal name is needed so that you can enter into contracts with Apple. Your name will be displayed as the seller name of your apps on the App Store."
For organizations, the requirements are a bit more detailed. Your company must be a legal entity and have a D‑U‑N‑S Number (this doesn’t apply to government entities). The person handling enrollment must have the authority to sign agreements on behalf of the organization. You’ll also need a work email tied to your organization’s domain and a publicly accessible website.
"As the person enrolling your organization in the Apple Developer Program, you'll be the Account Holder and must have the legal authority to bind your organization to legal agreements."
App Store Connect Setup
After enrolling in the Developer Program, the next step is setting up App Store Connect. This platform is where you’ll manage your app’s presence on the App Store. Use the same Apple ID you registered with to log in.
When creating a new app record, you’ll need to provide the following details: platform (e.g., iOS), app name, primary language, bundle ID, and SKU. To improve discoverability, consider including relevant keywords in your app name. Ensure the bundle ID matches the one in your Xcode project’s Info.plist file, and make sure the SKU starts with a valid character.
If your app will be paid, there are additional steps. You must sign contracts, provide tax and banking details, and configure metadata such as app categories, a privacy policy URL, pricing (in USD), and an optimized app description. Be especially careful when selecting age ratings to avoid complications during the review process.
Certificates and Provisioning Profiles
Certificates and provisioning profiles are critical for ensuring your app’s security and authenticity. Certificates confirm to Apple that you’re authorized to perform actions like uploading builds, while provisioning profiles ensure that only trusted code runs on user devices.
"By forcing all apps to include valid provisioning profiles, Apple maintains a more secure app ecosystem which protects users against unwittingly installing untrusted apps on their devices."
For smaller teams, Xcode can handle certificate requests and installations automatically. However, if your app uses features like Apple Pay, push notifications, or Wallet integration, you’ll need to manually create certificates in the Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles section of your developer account. Distribution certificates, which are required for publishing, should be kept secure. If compromised, they must be revoked immediately.
For larger teams, relying solely on automatic signing can lead to conflicts that overwrite existing certificates. In these cases, manual certificate management is a better option. Tools like fastlane’s match action can help teams securely store and manage certificates and provisioning profiles.
Uploading the App
The final step is uploading your app. Start by archiving your app in Xcode to create a signed build. Before uploading it to App Store Connect, double-check that it uses the correct certificates and provisioning profiles. Make sure your system’s Keychain contains the valid code signing certificate, its associated private key, and the WWDR Intermediate Certificate. This verification is essential to ensure a smooth submission process.
Design and User Experience Standards
Once your app meets submission and technical requirements, the next crucial step is focusing on its design and user experience. Apple's standards go beyond functionality - they emphasize creating an intuitive, seamless experience that feels natural to iOS users. To succeed in the App Store, your app's visual design and interface must align with Apple's Human Interface Guidelines.
Human Interface Guidelines Compliance
Your app icon is your first chance to make an impression, both in the App Store and on users' home screens. Apple requires app icons to be 1024x1024 pixels in PNG format, using the sRGB color space for standard icons and Gray Gamma 2.2 for grayscale versions. Apple’s system automatically scales this master icon for all device sizes.
Design your icon to reflect your app’s purpose with one clear and simple image. For example, the Music app uses a white musical note on a red background - a design that's instantly recognizable across iOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. Avoid cluttering your icon with multiple images or excessive text. If text is essential, use mnemonic elements like the Calm app’s "C", which serves as the centerpiece of its icon. Apple also recommends using graphic imagery instead of photos to ensure clarity at smaller sizes.
Your app must also support Display P3 wide-gamut color, which provides a 25% larger color range compared to standard sRGB. This ensures your app will shine on Apple devices with advanced displays.
For apps supporting Dark Mode, design icons without solid backgrounds and create grayscale-tinted versions to match iOS's dynamic theming system. These tinted icons should be optimized for Dark Mode to maintain a consistent and polished look.
A well-designed, compliant icon sets the tone for an accessible and user-friendly app experience.
Accessibility Features
Apple's platform includes powerful accessibility tools, and your app should integrate seamlessly with them. Features like VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, Switch Control, and Assistive Access ensure your app is usable for everyone, including those with disabilities.
VoiceOver: Apple’s screen reader enables users to navigate your app without needing to see the screen. To ensure compatibility, use standard SwiftUI or UIKit components, which come with built-in accessibility features. Add descriptive labels with
.accessibilityLabeland.accessibilityHintmodifiers in SwiftUI to explain the purpose of each element.Dynamic Type: Support for Dynamic Type is non-negotiable. Your app must allow text to resize based on user preferences. Many users depend on larger text sizes for readability, and apps that fail to support this feature risk rejection during the review process.
Interactive Elements: Ensure tappable elements are at least 44x44 points to accommodate users with motor difficulties.
Color Contrast: High contrast between text and background colors is essential, particularly for Dark Mode. Use Xcode's Accessibility Inspector to simulate different accessibility settings and ensure your app meets Apple's standards.
Navigation and Visual Consistency
A consistent navigation structure helps users feel confident and comfortable while using your app. Stick to standard iOS gestures for common tasks - users expect familiar interactions like swiping back, pinching to zoom, and pulling to refresh.
Keep your navigation bar at the top of each screen, and include a back button labeled with the title of the previous screen. This simple feature helps users understand where they are in the app and how to navigate back.
Consistency in your app's design is key. Use a unified color palette, typography, and layout throughout the app. Whenever possible, rely on native iOS components instead of custom ones. Native components adapt automatically to system settings like Dark Mode and accessibility preferences, saving you time while ensuring a polished appearance.
"A consistent look and feel across your app builds trust." - Vijay Writes Official
Animations and transitions can enhance the user experience, but they should be purposeful. Use them to guide attention or provide feedback, but avoid overloading your app with effects that slow navigation or distract from its core functionality.
Finally, your app’s layout must adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes - from the compact iPhone SE to the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPads. Responsive designs ensure your app looks and functions beautifully across Apple’s diverse device lineup. If your app supports Dark Mode, double-check that your color choices maintain readability and visual clarity in both light and dark themes.
Technical and Functional Compliance
When it comes to App Store approval, your app's technical foundation plays a crucial role. Apple doesn't just look at how your app looks; they scrutinize how it functions. Everything from the APIs you use to how data is stored must meet their standards to ensure a reliable experience across all iOS devices.
Approved APIs and Frameworks
Apple provides developers with a wide range of public APIs to integrate with its hardware and software. However, sticking to public APIs is non-negotiable - using private or outdated APIs is one of the quickest ways to get rejected. Your app must also be compatible with the latest operating system versions.
Each API has a specific purpose, and Apple expects you to use them accordingly. For example, if your app includes a web browsing feature, you should rely on the WebKit framework and WebKit JavaScript. Similarly, if you're incorporating SiriKit and Shortcuts, make sure your app only registers for intents it can handle independently and in ways that align with user expectations.
Starting May 1, 2024, apps using certain APIs must document their usage in a privacy manifest file. This means you'll need to clearly state why you're using these APIs and ensure they are employed only for their declared purposes.
To keep your app up to Apple's standards, remove deprecated features and frameworks regularly. Apple updates its technologies with every platform release, so staying current ensures compatibility and lets your app benefit from new tools and features.
Performance and Stability
After ensuring proper API usage, the next step is to focus on your app's performance and stability. Your app should launch quickly and run smoothly across all iOS devices, regardless of network conditions.
Apple mandates IPv6 compatibility, so your app must function seamlessly on IPv6-only networks. It's a good idea to test your app in such environments to ensure users have a smooth experience. Efficient memory management is also critical, especially for supporting older devices.
Your app should be prepared to handle network disruptions, timeouts, and offline scenarios without crashing. Providing clear feedback to users in these situations is essential.
Battery efficiency is another key factor. Avoid inefficient code, unnecessary background processes, or excessive location tracking. Regular testing and optimization can help address these issues and improve your app's overall performance.
Data Handling and App Containment
Performance is important, but secure data management is just as critical. Apple's sandbox model requires apps to keep their data within their own bundle. Additionally, your app cannot download, install, or execute code that changes its functionality or introduces new features, including other apps. This ensures the integrity of the App Store ecosystem and prevents malicious code injection.
Data security is non-negotiable for App Store approval. A staggering 90% of mobile security breaches occur due to insufficient encryption. Use Keychain Services to securely store sensitive data like passwords and cryptographic keys, leveraging hardware-level encryption.
If you're using Core Data with SQLite, encrypt sensitive information at the database level. Avoid storing sensitive data in UserDefaults since it lacks encryption and can be accessed by other processes.
"The App Store is designed to be a safe and trusted place for users to discover apps created by talented developers around the world. Apps on the App Store are held to a high standard for privacy, security, and content because nothing is more important than maintaining users' trust."
Apple Developer
For network security, all data transmissions must use HTTPS with TLS to protect against man-in-the-middle attacks. Implementing App Transport Security (ATS) ensures secure connections, and certificate pinning can help your app trust only specific certificates.
To prevent injection attacks, validate and sanitize all data inputs. Keeping your app's dependencies and frameworks updated is essential, as outdated software is responsible for 79% of data breaches in 2024.
Conducting regular security audits is a smart way to maintain compliance. For example, logging mechanisms can help monitor data access. Additionally, anonymizing user data - while maintaining app functionality - has been shown to reduce data misuse incidents by 30%.
Privacy, Security, and Legal Requirements
Building on the technical safeguards discussed earlier, privacy and legal measures play a critical role in securing user trust. Apple enforces strict standards for privacy and security across all apps. Since October 2018, apps on the Apple App Store have been required to responsibly collect user data and include a legally compliant Privacy Policy.
User Privacy and Data Protection
Your app needs to comply with privacy laws in every region where it is available - not just in your home country. For instance, if your app is accessible in California, it must adhere to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), regardless of where your development team operates.
Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, as demonstrated by the 2021 WhatsApp case. Your Privacy Policy must clearly outline what data is collected, how it will be used, and how users can withdraw consent or request data deletion. Use straightforward language to ensure users understand the purpose of data collection.
"Apps must respect the user's permission settings and not attempt to manipulate, trick, or force people to consent to unnecessary data access." - Apple App Review Guidelines
This responsibility extends to all code within your app, including third-party SDKs and single sign-on integrations, which must also comply with privacy standards.
Consent Management
Consent management isn’t just about asking for permission - it’s about ensuring consent is freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous. Avoid tactics like pre-checked boxes or bundled permissions that push users into accepting tracking.
Under Apple’s App Tracking Transparency framework, you must request consent clearly and explain why tracking is necessary. Offer granular options when seeking permissions. For instance, when asking for location access, allow users to choose "only when in use" rather than forcing an all-or-nothing decision. Use simple, relatable language in your consent requests. For example, say, "We use your location to show nearby restaurants" instead of relying on technical jargon.
"When people understand what happens with their data and are in control, they are more likely to engage with your experiences and let your app become a trusted part of their life." - Lauren, Privacy Engineering
Make it easy for users to withdraw consent at any time by providing clear, accessible controls within your app’s settings. These measures not only build trust but also align with Apple’s rigorous review criteria.
Secure Data Handling
Strong data security practices are essential to safeguarding user information. Apple emphasizes several core principles for privacy in app development: data minimization, on-device processing, transparency, user control, and robust security measures. Collect only the data that is absolutely necessary for your app’s functionality - a weather app, for example, does not need access to a user’s contacts.
Whenever possible, process data on-device using tools like CreateML to keep sensitive information local. For data that must be transmitted, ensure it is encrypted both during transmission and while stored. Apple’s CloudKit offers encryption features that can help secure new assets.
To monitor your app’s data usage, use Apple’s Record App Activity feature, which generates JSON logs detailing how and when your app accesses user data. This not only helps protect user information but also ensures compliance with Apple’s stringent standards. As privacy laws evolve, regularly update your Privacy Policy to stay aligned with new regulations. Additionally, if your app includes user-generated content, you must provide tools for filtering offensive material, reporting inappropriate content, and blocking abusive users.
App Store Review and Maintenance
Getting your app approved on the App Store isn’t just about submitting it - it’s about careful preparation and staying on top of updates. In 2020 alone, the App Store rejected around 2 million app submissions, including both new apps and updates. These numbers underscore how critical it is to meet Apple’s submission standards before clicking that submit button.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Think of your pre-submission checklist as your app’s final quality check. A significant portion of rejections - over 40% - stem from issues related to guideline 2.1, which focuses on app completeness. This includes crashes, placeholder content, and missing or incomplete information. To avoid these pitfalls:
Conduct thorough functional testing on the latest devices and under different network conditions. Even a single crash during Apple’s review can lead to rejection.
Remove placeholder content, like lorem ipsum text or generic stock images. Apple’s reviewers are quick to spot these, and they signal an unfinished product.
Double-check your app’s metadata. The title, subtitle, and description should accurately reflect the app’s features and user experience. Use up-to-date screenshots that showcase real functionality, not outdated mockups. And while keywords are important, weave them naturally into your description - don’t overdo it with keyword stuffing.
When it comes to legal and privacy compliance, transparency is critical. Clearly disclose how user data is collected and processed, as outlined in Apple’s guidelines. Your privacy policy should be easy to find, written in plain language, and compliant with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and Apple’s App Tracking Transparency framework.
Don’t forget to include reviewer notes. Provide test account credentials, step-by-step instructions for accessing features, and details about any restrictions. If your app gets rejected, address the feedback quickly. Regularly check your developer console and respond promptly to reviewer questions to keep the review process moving smoothly.
Monitoring Updates and Guidelines
Apple’s guidelines aren’t static - they evolve alongside new technologies and changing user expectations. Even after your app is approved, Apple can reassess it at any time, especially if there are user complaints or policy updates. That’s why ongoing monitoring is crucial for keeping your app available.
Stay informed by subscribing to Apple’s developer newsletters and blogs. Enable notifications in your App Store Connect account to get timely updates on announcements. Joining developer communities can also help you understand how others are navigating new policies, but always cross-check community advice with Apple’s official documentation.
To stay organized, create a compliance document tailored to your app. This document should outline all relevant guidelines and serve as a reference for regular audits. Schedule quarterly reviews to ensure your app aligns with the latest standards, even if you’re not planning updates. Assign team members specific compliance responsibilities, and hold regular meetings to discuss changes. Use real-world examples and hands-on exercises during training sessions to keep everyone prepared for potential challenges.
These proactive measures not only help you maintain compliance but also minimize disruptions caused by unexpected guideline changes.
Legal Compliance Verification
Keeping your app legally compliant is an ongoing process. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Intellectual property: Ensure you have valid licenses for all content in your app, including text, images, music, and third-party code libraries. Keep track of license expiration dates and renew them as needed.
Terms of Service: Regularly review and update your Terms of Service to reflect changes in your app. These terms should clearly define user responsibilities, acceptable usage, and liability limits.
Age ratings: Apple’s age rating system takes into account all accessible content, including linked websites and user-generated content. Reassess your app’s age rating whenever features change.
Regional compliance: Expanding into global markets? Be aware that different countries have unique rules for data handling, content restrictions, and business operations. Work with legal experts in app development to navigate these complexities.
Depending on your app’s focus, you may also need to meet additional certifications - whether for healthcare, financial, or educational purposes. As regulations evolve, regular reviews will help you stay ahead.
Conclusion
Staying compliant with the iOS App Store demands ongoing effort. In 2023, Apple rejected more than 1.7 million app submissions due to concerns over security, privacy, and content quality. These numbers highlight just how critical it is to approach compliance with precision and care.
Adhering to submission guidelines, design standards, technical requirements, and privacy protocols isn't just a one-time task - it’s a continuous process. With 94% of users reviewing Privacy Nutrition Labels before downloading apps and 12% of submissions in Q1 2025 rejected for Privacy Manifest violations, keeping up with evolving standards is non-negotiable. By prioritizing proactive monitoring, thorough testing, and regular updates, you can turn compliance challenges into opportunities for growth.
To streamline this process, consider creating a detailed checklist that covers every aspect of compliance - from age ratings to privacy policy documentation. Assigning a dedicated team member to track policy updates ensures you stay ahead of changes. Beyond avoiding rejections, apps that consistently improve and adapt see an average 30% increase in user retention rates.
Technical precision and clear communication also play a vital role. Include detailed explanations for any non-obvious features in your App Review notes and ensure your contact information is easily accessible. Regular updates and a commitment to compliance not only reduce the risk of rejection but also enhance user trust and engagement.
FAQs
What are the main reasons iOS apps get rejected by Apple, and how can I prevent it?
Apple often declines iOS apps for reasons such as crashes, bugs, incomplete or missing privacy policies, failure to meet design and functionality standards, or broken links and features. Privacy concerns and subpar user experiences are also frequent culprits.
To improve your chances of approval, make sure your app is rigorously tested to eliminate bugs and crashes. Follow Apple's design guidelines closely, and include a clear, transparent privacy policy. Verify that every link, feature, and description in your app works as intended and accurately represents its purpose. Additionally, offering a well-crafted explanation of your app's benefits can help smooth the approval process.
What steps should I take to ensure my app meets Apple's privacy and data protection guidelines?
To meet Apple's privacy and data protection guidelines, your app must include a clear and detailed privacy policy. This document should outline how user data is collected, used, and shared. You'll need to provide a link to this policy both in your App Store Connect listing and within the app itself.
Additionally, Apple requires developers to submit accurate privacy details when uploading their app, including any practices related to data collection. It's essential to ensure your app complies with Apple's latest privacy standards, emphasizing data security and user transparency during development.
Adhering to these guidelines not only satisfies Apple's requirements but also helps build trust with your users.
How can I ensure my app stays compliant with Apple's guidelines after it's approved?
To ensure your app stays in line with Apple's ever-changing rules, make it a habit to review the App Store Review Guidelines regularly. These guidelines cover critical aspects like safety, performance, design, and legal requirements. Keep an eye on official updates from Apple and adjust your app accordingly to stay ahead of any changes.
Additionally, keep detailed internal records of your compliance efforts and schedule periodic audits to check your app's functionality and content. Tackling potential issues early and keeping your app aligned with Apple's standards can help you avoid interruptions and deliver a smooth experience for your users.
